Dear Undiscovered Writer,
Many writers are insecure about being unknown and not having the traction that they desire.
This is the case for countless writers. Not only are there countless authors who are published traditionally through small publishers, there are even more who self-publish. There are an estimated 2.2 million books published worldwide each year. That’s a lot of books.
Some authors can publish several in one year, but the vast majority probably only publish one to two a year, so that could give you a rough (very rough) estimate of how many authors there are around the world.
With that many authors and that many books, it is hard to get noticed. It’s this way for every author.
What we have to focus on and be grateful for are the readers we do have, even if it’s a small intimate group. Every reader counts. Every. Single. One. If you have one reader, you’re in a good place, because that one reader is the right reader.
One reader means: one mind you're touching, one person you're influencing, one bibliophile you're giving a book escape to.
We may never be known by the hundreds or thousands or hundred-thousands, but being known by the dozens or less is just as great and is special. Each and every reader your book reaches is meant to be.
You’re not unknown if you’re known by a few. Remember that. The readers you have now are special and worthy and amazing. Show them your gratitude today.
SHARE: Drop the names of lesser-known authors whose books you love in the comment section.
As I read so much non-fiction, the lesser known authors I know tend to write more academic works. There, I think you appreciate not only readers, but also having your work cited in someone else's work. I've just posted one of my articles online as the journal it was first published isn't available online. I'll see how many people are interested in reading a long article with well over 100 footnotes.
ReplyDelete100 footnotes. Wow!
DeleteVery true. You never know how deeply you've touched your few readers. Any reader is a success.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely!
DeleteHi Chrys - so many good books out there ... I tend to read more academic type novels and books ... but I love Damyanti Biswas' books 'You Beneath My Skin' and 'The Blue Bar' - both highly recommended by many public and well-known authors. They give an eye opening look into Mumbai - while engrossing us in a fascinating story of crime ... so well told. Then there's Jacqui Murray's series on pre-historic fiction - wonderful reads. Cheers - Hilary
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Damyanti's books yet, but they are on my TBR list.
DeleteI so agree that it's important to be grateful for our readers.
ReplyDeleteIt's the best thing we can do...be grateful for our readers, however many we may have.
DeleteGreat post! It is important to be grateful for the readers we have. You are one of my favorite authors along with J.H. Moncrieff and Russell Nohelty.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for telling me that! <3
Delete